“I’m just a little shaken. I’m getting used to it now. Come on, let’s finish my nails so I can get out of your hair. I’m sure you would like to get out of here on time tonight.”
We sat back down, and Michelle finished off my nails. All the while, though, I couldn’t get my mind off the flowers and message. How long would it be before he made an appearance, and when would it be?
I arrived at Sienna’s house for her hen party, and I tried to put the events of today and the past months behind me. However, try as I might, I was still worried that someone was going to suddenly jump out at me and announce themselves as my secret admirer. There was a part of me that hoped they would. At least then I would know who I was dealing with. But the longer they stayed in the shadows, the longer I felt slightly safe that they hadn’t made an appearance. I rang the front doorbell, and I was greeted by Agnes, Sienna’s housekeeper.
“Abigail, my darling, you look amazing as always. It has been too long since we last saw you.”
I didn’t have a chance to reply before I was engulfed in a massive hug. Agnes never saw herself as a housekeeper. She was a mother to all and treated Sienna and all of her friends in the same way. Just about managing to pull myself away, I was able to greet her.
“Agnes, it has been a while. I have heard a rumour that you have a new man in your life. Is that correct?”
For the first time ever, I saw Agnes blush. I had heard a great deal about Arthur from Sienna. I was glad that Agnes finally had someone in her life. She deserved it, bringing Richard up as a single parent. Of course, she was lucky to have an employer like Sienna, and I knew Richard had helped around the house until he got a job with Jayden’s company. I followed Agnes into the front room, and I found Sienna there surrounded by friends and family. She had decided not to go out, as it hadn’t been that long since her son, Ben, had been born. She wouldn’t admit it, but I thought she had also done it for my benefit, so I wasn’t seen around the sites of London where I could be mobbed. She greeted me as soon as I walked into the room.
“Abigail, you made it. So pleased you are here.”
“Did you think I would miss this, Sienna? You practically buy most of the clothes I model.”
“Well, you make them look so amazing, I just hoped they would do the same for me. Let me introduce you to everyone. You know my mum and Agnes of course, this is Amanda, my BFF from university, Joan, Jayden’s mum, and Jessica, my soon-to-be sister-in-law. Ashleigh, Madeleine, and Kelsey here are all engaged to Jayden’s colleagues and friends. Everyone, this is Abigail, an old friend and one of the best patrons of our charity.”
“Aren’t you …”
One of the ladies I had just been introduced to had obviously recognised me immediately. I had gotten used to it over the years, but even now, it put me on the defensive immediately.
“Yes, I am also Lila Goddard, the model. But please, here just let me be Abigail or Abi, a friend that wants to celebrate one of my only friends getting married.”
“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have gone fangirl on you. I have watched you on the catwalk a few times. I should have thought you had a life outside and wouldn’t want to be reminded of your fame.”
I looked over at the young lady that was speaking to me. “It’s Kelsey, isn’t it?”
“Yes.”
“It’s fine. I just had a bit of a rough day. I do understand I have a famous lifestyle and know I should get used to it. But here, I am just Abigail, nothing more, nothing less. However, I’m glad you enjoyed seeing me on the catwalk.”
“I do. You are extremely beautiful.”
“Thank you. Everyone is beautiful in their own way. We must remember that. Too much emphasis is put on how we should look in the fashion business. That’s why I want to start up my own agency when I finish my career. I just want to run it differently from most. I want to see normal people on the catwalk. There are a lot of designers out there that don’t get a look in because of who they design for. I want to bring them to the forefront.”
It was Elizabeth who answered me. “And I know you will, Abigail. When you get up and running, I would love you to do a charity show for me.”
Sienna’s mum had always been there for me when I lost my mum. Whenever I needed someone to talk to, I knew I could rely on her. She never told Sienna that she did it, and I never mentioned it either. It was one of the reasons I always appeared at her fashion shows for free. I wanted to pay her back for the time and support she had given me over the years.
“And you know I will do that anytime, Elizabeth. Now let’s enjoy the party.”
After all the introductions were done, we all sat down and enjoyed each other’s company. I finally felt as though I could relax when I was here. Sienna wasn’t one for the typical hen party. This was just an evening of getting together and having a lovely time. All of Sienna’s friends were very welcoming, and I was taken into the group from the very beginning. I could understand why Sienna had them around her. They weren’t the fake friends both of us were used to. I mean, whenever Sienna’s parents finally left this world, she had every right to become Lady Sienna King, though I was sure she wouldn’t. I couldn’t really see Jayden living the Lord lifestyle. I sat there listening to the conversation when Ben started crying over the baby monitor. I knew that Sienna had been bottle-feeding him because she had struggled to breastfeed him, so I immediately got up to go to him. I just needed some space for a moment, time to decompress from the events of the day, and spending time with Ben was just the way to do it.
“I’ll go. I haven’t had my cuddles yet today.”
“Everything should be in the room. You know where his food is, don’t you?”
I gave Sienna a smile and nodded as I headed upstairs to Ben’s bedroom. I knew I wouldn’t be disturbed by Amelia, as she was down with Jayden, staying with his brother, Mason. Picking Ben up, I cradled him in my arms as I retrieved the bottle from the warmer and sat in the rocking chair feeding him. I sat there for a moment and thought.
I hadn’t realised that I had considered starting a family, but honestly, I loved this. It was everything I wanted in my life, if only I could find the man to do it with. The only option I had at the moment was some crazed stalker, my secret admirer, and he didn’t exactly fill me with confidence.
I was sitting there holding Ben when Sienna walked into the room and sat in the second chair next to me. I’d asked previously why they had two chairs, and that had been down to Jayden and Amelia. One of them always liked to be in with Sienna whenever she was looking after Ben. I looked up at her and smiled. Although I gave the impression that everything in my life was good, Sienna could see right through my face.
“So, are you going to tell me what is wrong? And don’t say nothing, because I could see the worry on your face earlier when you said you’d had a rough day.”
I sighed. I really didn’t want to ruin Sienna’s evening, but I needed to talk to someone.
